Sports binocular visor assembly and method

ABSTRACT

A hands-free binocular visor headgear for viewing sporting and other events where it is desirable to use binoculars but also have the free use of the hands. An adjustable head securing device secures the unit to the user&#39;s head. Binoculars or other optics are attached to the head securing device such that they can be pivoted between an in-use and a not in-use position and can be adjusted for a usercs eyes. The unit can also optionally contain removable or fixed earmuffs, a removable or fixed electronics module that can contain a radio, MPEG player or other electronics, removable or fixed earphone and/or a removable or fixed microphone. The user can pick and choose what exact equipment he or she needs for a particular sporting event.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 10/633,936 filed Aug. 4, 2003 which was acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/117,989 filed Apr. 6,2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,603 which was a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 09/523,213 filed Mar. 10, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.6,369,958. This application incorporates application U.S. Pat. No.10/633,936, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,614,603 and 6,369,958 by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to sporting event accessories andmore particularly to a sports viewing assembly that can includebinoculars and other equipment mounted on a piece of headgear.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] It is often desirable to use binoculars for better viewing theaction while attending sporting events and the like. Although binocularsprovide a useful mechanism for enhancing the viewing of the event, theyare often bothersome because the user must continuously dedicate atleast one hand to supporting the binoculars. It would be a benefittherefore, to have a binocular assembly that included a hands freesupport mechanism for supporting the binoculars in front of the user'seyes without using either of the user's hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to a hands-free headgear visorassembly that can contain binoculars and other convenient equipment toallow viewing and enjoying sporting and other events without the botherof having to hold the binoculars in the user's hands. It is importantthat the binoculars be adjustable both to fit the user's eyes andvertically.

[0007] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a visoror other assembly that can include an adjustable head securing strap tohold the assembly mounted on a person's head and a user focusablebinocular that can pivot between an in-use position and a not in-useposition. Pivoting is accomplished by a hinge on the visor and not bysimply rotating an external pair of binoculars upward.

[0008] The assembly can optionally contain an AM/FM radio or a radioscanner, an earphone or two earphones for the radio or scanner, camera,earmuffs for cold weather, and a laser or other type of rangefinder. Ifearmuffs are used, the earphone(s) can be removably mounted in theearmuff. It is within the scope of the present invention to provideeither a single earphone or two earphones. The earphones can beseparable and removable from the headgear assembly or can be integral.It should be noted, that all the components of the invention can beremovable or fixed allowing the user to build up exactly the correctarrangement for any given event.

[0009] The present invention, in addition to being useful for viewingsports events and other distant objects can be used for surveillance aswell as with macular degeneration patients.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For further understanding of the present invention, referenceshould be made to the following described drawings:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventioncontaining a radio.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventioncontaining a microphone.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention containingearmuffs.

[0016]FIGS. 6 and 7 show top and side views of an embodiment with onlybinoculars and no other equipment.

[0017]FIGS. 8 and 9 show top and side views of an embodiment with alaser and rangefinder.

[0018]FIG. 10 shows an embodiment using an auto-adjusting headband.

[0019]FIGS. 11 and 12 show and embodiment with a top strap.

[0020]FIG. 13 shows and embodiment with a net for a cooling agent.

[0021] It should be understood that the above described figures are forthe purpose of illustrating the present invention. One skilled in theart will recognize that many other embodiments and configurations arewithin the scope of the invention besides those shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022]FIGS. 1-3 show views of an embodiment of the present inventioncontaining a radio. The visor bill 1 can hold binocular lenses 2 with anoptional lens cover 10 that can protect the lenses. This lens cover canbe removably attached to the lens assembly or could mount on a hingewhere it could be swung out of the lens field when not in use. This lenscover can be solid to protect the lens when not in use, or the cover 10can be optionally tinted for glare protection. A variable tint lens orlens cover that automatically changes its transmission characteristicsis also within the scope of the present invention. It is possible tohave both and active and in-active lens cover (such as variable tint anda solid cover for protection). The side of the visor 3 can be flat orother shape being large enough to contain the lenses 2 and focusingmechanism. An optional focusing knob 9 can be mounted on top of thevisor 1 or anywhere else convenient. This knob 9 can be used to controlfocus at different distances. It is within the scope of the presentinvention to also used fixed focusing at distance as is known in the artwithout a focus knob or mechanism. The binocular lenses 2 can also bemade adjustable to fit a user's eyes. The binocular lenses canoptionally auto-focus.

[0023] Optionally a digital camcorder could be coupled to the opticalparts of the present invention. In particular, an active recorder with adisplay such as an LCD display could record video or a series of stillshots to create motion picture capabilities. In particular, this wouldallow a user to review the last play from the game. This process iscalled generally “progressive shutter capture” or “progressive shuttermode”. This and any type of optics could be optionally equipped with azoom type of lens.

[0024] A strap 5 fits around the user's head and can be adjusted to fitdifferent individuals. An optional hinge allows the visor 1 to pivot.The invention can also contain an optional removable or fixedradio/music module or other electronics 6 mounted anywhere on theinvention. This electronics module can include any type of radioapparatus including, but not limited to, AM, FM, combination AM/FM,radio scanner, walkie-talky, cellular telephone, ham radio, CB radio, orany other radio receiver or transceiver. It can optionally contain ortotally be a music playback system such as MPEG or other music playbackelectronics. It can also contain an audio recorder for recordingsurrounding events or what is being received on the radio.

[0025] An earphone or microphone can be located away from theradio/music electronics module 6 using wireless communications such asBluetooth or any other wireless communications. When one or morewireless earphones are used, the radio/music module can be locatedanywhere on the head unit or anywhere on the user's body. In fact, aradio/music module could be located external to the particular user andpipe music into the earphone(s) via wireless.

[0026] The radio/music module 6, if used, can contain a tuning knob fortuning stations as well as a station indicator 7 and possibly a volumecontrol knob 8. This radio unit 6 can be secured to the head securingstrap 5, or other location, by any convenient securing means. The radiocan be fixed or removable. Optional removable or fixed ear muffs can beplaced over the radio or used in place of it. As has been stated, theradio 6 can be AM or FM or a scanner, or any combination of two of theseor all three in a single package.

[0027] It is not necessary have earmuffs for sporting events takingplace in the summertime or in any type of warm weather. Therefore, theoptional earmuffs can be removed by the user whenever desired. The usermay not always want to use the radio equipment. Therefore, that too canoptionally be removable. However, the radio can also be fixed on someembodiments of the invention. In fact, the present invention, ingeneral, represents a combination device where the user can pick andchoose the optional equipment to be taken to a particular sportingevent. In particular, the earmuffs, radio, earphone, and an optionalchin strap (not shown in figures) can be removable and can be installedor left off as the user wishes. Thus, the present invention is a methodof building up a sports viewing/enjoyment apparatus to fit a custom use.

[0028] It should also be noted that the binocular elements 2 shown inFIG. 1 are but one embodiment of binocular elements. It is within thescope of the present invention to combine the two elements into a singleassembly, or to use a single optical or telescopic element if desired.The radio can be AM or FM or a combination of AM and FM which is usefulfor monitoring the sporting event while it progresses, or tuning torelaxing music during the event; as stated, the radio can also be anyother type of radio receiver monitoring any channel or frequency band.As stated, the radio/music module can contain an MPEG player as well asa digital recorder.

[0029] The earphone can be used with or without the optional earmuffs.When the earmuffs are used for cold weather, the earphone or earphonesfor two ears can be mounted in the earmuffs so that the user can listento the radio equipment while simultaneously keeping the ears warm. Whenthe invention is used in warm weather, the earphone or earphones can beremoved from the earmuffs and used without them. Other earphones arewithin the scope of the present invention including the type of earphonethat cancels background noise.

[0030] A feature of the present invention is the ability to add andremove accessories at the will of the user to customize the system foruse at different types of sporting or other events and to carry only theequipment needed or desired on that day.

[0031]FIGS. 2-3 show a top view and side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1. The adjustable headstrap 5, focusing knob 9 and optional radio 6are clearly seen. In addition, the radio can have an optional smallvertical antenna 11. It should be remembered that the radio can be anytype of radio gear including a cellular telephone. A short verticalantenna 11 as shown in FIG. 2 is most useful for this type of radio. Astandard AM or FM radio (or AM/FM combined) can have an internal coiledantenna for more efficiency in the AM band.

[0032] The present invention can also contain a removable or fixedcamera. This camera can be mechanical, electronic, digital, or any othertype of camera known in the art. The preferred location for thisoptional camera is in the visor between or behind the binocular oroptical elements; however it is within the scope of the invention toplace the camera anywhere. A button 16 can be placed anywhere on theapparatus to activate the camera and take a photo. It is within thescope of the invention to use automatic film winding or manual windingwith another knob located on the visor (not shown) to wind film. It isalso within the scope of the invention to use an electronic camera thatdoes no use film, but rather stores images in a memory to be read outlater.

[0033]FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention with aremovable or fixed microphone 12. This is particularly useful when theradio is a cellular telephone or walkie-talky. In addition, an optionalcable 14 can be used with an external scanner radio device 13. This isuseful for the invention because some scanners are currently too largefor convenient mounting on the headgear. Still, the user may want towear the headgear while watching an event and simultaneously listen to ascanner. In this case, the external scanner can be placed near the user.The scanner could also be mounted on either side of the headband. It iscontemplated that scanner technology may become much smaller in thefuture, and a complete scanner could easily be mounted on the headgear.

[0034]FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention with removableor fixed earmuffs 15. These earmuffs can be constructed to contain theradio within, or to replace the radio at the user's choosing. Aspreviously stated, a major feature of the present invention is theability of the user to pick and choose what equipment is taken to agiven event. In addition, a coiled up external single or double earphonecan also be used with the invention. A jack can be provided on the radiofor this external earphone. One or two earphones can be mounted insidethe earmuffs for winter comfort with the ability to still use the radio.

[0035]FIGS. 6-7 show an embodiment of the present invention where thereare no accessories mounted on the headband 5 other than the binocularlenses. A hinge 18 can allow the visor 1 to pivot up and down, both toposition the unit correctly for the user's eyes and to be able to movethe lenses up and out of the way when not being used. Upward anddownward pivoting is by means of the hinge 18 on the visor. Through thisupward and downward pivoting, the present invention can be adjusted toin in-use and not in-use position. It is also possible to allow thelenses 2 in this embodiment to adjust both horizontally to fit a user'seyes.

[0036]FIGS. 8-9 show an embodiment of the present invention containing alaser pointer 17 and range finder 20. The pointing device 17 can bebattery powered and used to locate objects in the field of view. Therangefinder 20 could be equipped with an optional range knob 19. Rangecould be read out directly from the side of the assembly or combined andread out through the binocular optics. The laser pointer 17 andrangefinder 20 combination could be used in some sports such as archeryor hunting to first locate a target and to then find its range in feetor yards or meters.

[0037] Each embodiment of the present invention disclosed can containoptional stabilization for the optics. Such stabilization would smoothout or stabilize the effects of vibration and movement which might makeviewing difficult. Such stabilization means could be mounted externallyto the binoculars 2 or could be an internal part of the optics.Stabilization methods of this type are known in the art as “imagestabilization”. An example of an optics system employing stabilizationis the Canon 8×25 IS binocular system.

[0038] All embodiments of the present invention can be supplied invarious sizes including women's and children's sizes. All of thefeatures disclosed could appear on a woman's or child's size with theonly difference being the size of the headband. Alternatively, thepresent invention can be made adjustable to fit any head.

[0039]FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the present invention that uses adifferent type of headband. In this embodiment, the headband 21 isauto-adjusting. This is accomplished by leaving a gap in the back of theheadband and having spring-like ends 22 that move in and out to fit mostsizes of heads. An optional pad 23 can be supplied with this embodiment.

[0040]FIGS. 11-12 show an embodiment of a headband that has anadjustment knob 26 at the back of the band 5. By turning this knob 26,the user can tighten or loosen the band. This knob 26 is optionally. Inaddition, an optional top band 24 is shown in FIGS. 11-12. This top band24 can pass over the top of the user's head to further stabilize theunit. This optional top band 24 can have an optional independentadjustment knob 25 that can indpendently adjust the top band for size.

[0041]FIG. 13 shows and embodiment of the present invention with a netcompartment 27 that covers the head. The primary use for this netcompartment 27 would be to containing a cold pack. A cold pack couldprovide heat relief for a user seated in the hot sun. Such packs areavailable and can be activated by the user whenever wanted. A simplerpack simply containing ice is also possible. While FIG. 13 shows the net27, the top strap 24 and the adjustment knobs 25, 26, it must beremembered that each of these features is optional. Various models ofthe present invention can be produced that contain any possiblecombination of the features herein described.

[0042] It should be understood that the examples and illustrationsprovided herein are to explain and illustrate the invention. It will beappreciated by one skilled in the art that many other changes andvariations are within the scope of the present invention. It should beremembered that the scope of the invention is determined from the claimsthat follow and is in no way limited to the examples or illustrationsgiven in the specification.

I claim:
 1. A sports viewing assembly comprising, in combination: anadjustable head support for holding the assembly on a person's head; abinocular lens attached to said head support, said binocular assemblyallowing viewing an event from a distance; a visor-telescopic lensassembly that pivots between an in-use and a not in-use position.
 2. Thesports viewing assembly of claim 1 further comprising an electronicsmodule attached to said viewing assembly, said electronics modulecoupled to at least one earphone.
 3. The sports viewing assembly ofclaim 2 wherein said electronics module contains a radio.
 4. The sportsviewing assembly of claim 2 wherein said electronics module includes anMPEG player.
 5. The sports viewing assembly of claim 2 wherein saidelectronics module includes an audio recorder.
 6. The sports viewingassembly of claim 1 further a means for holding a cold pack.
 7. Thesports viewing assembly of claim 1 wherein said head support isauto-adjusting.
 8. The sports viewing assembly of claim 3 wherein saidradio is a satellite radio.
 9. The sports viewing assembly of claim 3wherein said radio is a scanner.
 10. The sports viewing assembly ofclaim 1 further comprising a camera.
 11. The sports viewing assembly ofclaim 1 wherein said earphone is noise-canceling.
 12. A sports viewingapparatus comprising, in combination: an adjustable head support; atleast one telescopic device coupled to said head support; an electronicsmodule attached to said apparatus; at least one earphone attached tosaid head support, said earphone coupled to said electronics module. 13.The sports viewing apparatus of claim 12 wherein said electronics moduleis removable.
 14. The sports viewing apparatus of claim 12 wherein saidearphone is wireless.
 15. The sports viewing apparatus of claim 12further comprising removable earmuffs.
 16. The sports viewing apparatusof claim 12 further comprising a microphone removably attached to saidhead support.
 17. The sports viewing apparatus of claim 12 furthercomprising a means for holding a cold pack.
 18. The sports viewingapparatus of claim 12 further comprising a top strap.
 19. The sportsviewing apparatus of claim 18 wherein said top strap is adjustable. 20.A system for comfortable viewing of sporting events including anadjustable headstrap coupled to an optical means for viewing a sportingevent, said optical means being adjustable to fit a user's eyes andpivotable to pivot upward and downward to adjust to a user's preferredviewing position, said system containing an electronics module mountedon said headstrap or said optical means.
 21. The system of claim 20wherein said electronics module includes components chosen from thegroup consisting of a radio, an MPEG player, a digital recorder, ascanner.
 22. The system of claim 20 wherein the optical means includes acamcorder.
 23. The system of claim 20 wherein the optical means includesa progressive shutter capture mode camera.
 24. The system of claim 20wherein the optical means includes a zoom lens.
 25. The system of claim20 where4in the optical means includes an auto-focus lens.